Entering the field of education, I always expected there to be a wide range of personalities throughout the job landscape. Optimists, pessimists, visionaries, workhorses, complainers....they all exist in every industry. The one dynamic that I did not anticipate was the impact these people could have on my own teaching personality and professional outlook.

It was only over the last couple of years that I began to see this impact in effect. In my own building, and through social media I began establishing my Personal Learning Network (PLN). In my PLN were teachers, principals, technology coordinators, etc. The one thing that set these people apart from others was their relentless passion and drive to do great things for students. To constantly step up their game. To get better everyday. To never take the easy way out.

As I interacted more and more with these people, I listened to the great lessons they were teaching in their classrooms. I heard about the amazing things going on at their school. Bit by bit, my perspective that I was doing "enough" started to morph into "I can do more". Complacency went out the window, replaced with a drive to be more effective each and every day. What I found was that..."TO BE PHENOMENAL YOU MUST SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PHENOMENAL".

I feel lucky that I came to realize this early on in my career. Keeping this simple idea in mind has led me to be involved in some amazing things, with some incredible people. People, that in my perspective, are far out of my league. That being said, they had no problem sharing ideas, discussing best practices, giving advice, or providing tips.

Its the kind of idea that you have to "take on faith" because in the moment, its much harder to see the finish line. In the end, if you continue to make the decision to put yourself out there, to surround yourself with phenomenal people, there's only one likely outcome....you'll become phenomenal.

Wonderful post, I really liked the considered takeaway that surrounding yourself with the right people can really elevate your own game. Once one sees how helpful others are in promoting their own growth, naturally helping others presents itself. This is the true gift of the PLN.

I'm looking forward to reading more of your insights on your blog!

Reply

Scott

9/29/2014 10:11:13 pm

Absolutely! Great point. Eventually you pay it forward as others have for you. Thanks for the support!